Reconciliation

“On the evening of that day, the first day of the week” Jesus showed himself to his apostles. “He breathed on them, and said to them: ‘Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive the sins of any, they are forgiven; if you retain the sins of any, they are retained.’”

(John 20: 19, 22-23)

The sacrament of Penance (Reconciliation) is a return to communion with God after having lost that communion through sin. Reconciliation is the reception of God’s grace, love and mercy. The Church encourages us to receive the sacrament of Reconciliation frequently, if possible, in order that we might deepen our relationship with God and grow in humility and virtue. Through the sacrament we also receive the grace to help us avoid future sin.